Embedded Files
Context
Context
This project will show how to read a note inside an envelope, without opening it, using basic properties of light.
Resources Needed:
Resources Needed:
-Paper Towel/Toilet Paper Roll
-Envelope
-Window(during the day)
-Paper
-Pencil/Pen
Steps Written Out:
Steps Written Out:
1-Write a note, like "hello", in the middle of the piece of paper, it doesn't have to be exact, and fold the paper into thirds.
2-Put the folded paper, with your note, inside the envelope and make sure the writing is facing the front of the envelope.
3-Hold the envelope against the window.
4-Take your paper towel roll/toilet paper roll and place it horizontally against the envelope, so that the hole is facing the envelope.
5-Finally look through your envelope and see if you can read the note you wrote earlier.
Steps Shown in Real Life:
Steps Shown in Real Life:
Why this works:
Why this works:
This project works because light being reflected off of an object's surface is the reason why we can see the object. The flashlight being under the the envelope shines light through the envelope and by looking through the paper towel roll it blocks all the light reflecting off of the envelope. This made it so that the light shining through the envelope is brighter than the reflected light, and so you could see through the envelope. Other real life applications of the same light properties are when you're trying to look inside a dark room or a dark car, you shield your eyes from the sun, using your hands, to look through the window.
Other Applications:
Other Applications:
With this experiment, you can make fun games to play in your free time. For instance, you could write a riddle on an envelope and a note inside the envelope has the answer, so the person playing would have to look through the envelope like in the experiment. The answer could correspond with a place or object in your house where the next riddle would be found. Then the person playing could keep finding riddles until they eventually find a prize or some sort of reward. This is one example of a way to incorporate this experiment into a fun activity. There are many other possibilities for activities you can do, so use your imagination and have fun!
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Myra Khieu, York '23
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